Mindful December
MINDFUL DECEMBER
As we are approaching the busiest time of the year I pondered the perfect theme for our "Living Your Best Life" series, my body seemed to crave a moment of rest, contrasting with my mind's scattered state. This led me to believe that the theme of mindfulness would be both timely and beneficial
What is mindfulness and how does it help us live a better life?
Mindfulness, a practice of moment-by-moment awareness, is our anchor in moving through the waves of life. Living in the Bay area, where the pace is relentless, mindfulness is more important and necessary than ever and a demanding practice but equally rewarding one.
Mindfulness roots
Tracing its roots back to the meditative disciplines of ancient Buddhism, mindfulness found its Western foothold through Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. It bridges diverse cultures, providing tools for navigating the complexities of today's life. This secular practice is known for its life-enhancing benefits in all aspects of life.
Essential areas of mindfulness include
Present Moment Awareness: Immersing oneself in the now.
Non-Judgmental Observation: Viewing thoughts and feelings objectively.
Acceptance: Welcoming experiences without resistance.
Beginner's Mind: Approaching life with curiosity.
Patience: Allowing life to unfold at its own pace.
Letting Go: Detaching from outcomes.
Non-Striving: Embracing life’s flow without force.
Trust: Believing in one's inherent wisdom.
Gratitude and Generosity: Fostering thankfulness and compassion.
The Science Behind Mindfulness
A wealth of research supports mindfulness as a catalyst for mental and physical health. It alleviates anxiety and depression, disrupts negative thought cycles, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Studies validate its effectiveness, revealing mindfulness as a cornerstone of holistic well-being.
What happens in our life when we are not mindful
When we are not mindful, several things can happen that may negatively affect our well-being:
Feeling Overwhelmed: Without mindfulness, the mind often runs on autopilot, leading to a sense of being overwhelmed by thoughts, emotions, and events. This can create a feeling of being swamped or unable to cope with everyday demands.
Missing Moments: A lack of mindfulness means we may overlook or not fully appreciate important or precious moments in our lives. This can be as simple as not noticing a beautiful sunset, or as significant as not being fully present for important events or milestones.
Increased Anxiety and Stress: When we're not mindful, we're more susceptible to worries about the past or future, leading to increased anxiety and stress. Mindfulness helps to ground us in the present, reducing these anxieties.
Strained Relationships: Mindfulness plays a crucial role in how we interact with others. Without it, there may be a lack of attention and presence in our relationships, which can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or feelings of neglect.
Feeling Tired and Depleted: Constant mental chatter and lack of presence can be exhausting. Without mindfulness, our energy can be quickly depleted, leaving us feeling tired, both mentally and physically.
Overindulgence: Without being mindful, one might engage in overeating, excessive screen time, or other forms of overindulgence as a way of coping with stress or disconnection. This can lead to negative health outcomes and a cycle of unhealthy habits.
Loss of Appreciation: When we are not mindful, we may take things for granted and lose our sense of gratitude and appreciation for the everyday experiences and people in our lives. This can lead to a general sense of dissatisfaction or lack of fulfillment.
““In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being.””
Guest Feature: Laura Perkins on Mindful Living
In our journey towards mindfulness this December, I'm thrilled to introduce Laura Perkins, an expert in mindful living. Laura describes her style of mindful living as a space of spiritual grace, cultivated through daily practice, willingness, and discipline. This grace-filled space allows us to experience our being as separate from our thoughts, body, and experiences.
Laura's approach emphasizes the importance of being in a relationship with SELF, recognizing that everyone, regardless of where they are in life, has the potential to bring more awareness into their lives. She enjoys witnessing the profound shifts in her clients as they become more conscious and present with their motives, behaviors, patterns, and choices.
Laura’s 5 Daily Practices For Mindful Living
Awakening Ritual (5 minutes): A wake-up mantra, intention, and breath exercise that sets the tone for embodied mindfulness.
Yoga (minimum 15 minutes): A home practice that aligns breath with movement, fostering awareness of the body throughout the day.
Meditation (minimum 20 minutes): A practice focusing on exhalation and returning to the breath, crucial for creating the space necessary for mindfulness.
Journaling (minimum 10 minutes): Using texts like "The Yamas and Niyamas" by Deborah Adele for inspiration and reflection.
Sleep Ritual (5 minutes): A nightly routine that involves a body-mind-spirit check-in and theta-flow breath, promoting restful sleep.
Special Offer for XPLOREFIT Readers
As a treat to our XPLOREFIT blog readers, Laura Perkins has generously offered a complimentary session to experience her approach to Mindful Living first-hand.
How can we practice Mindfulness?
In addition to Laura's insightful practices, here are a few more simple methods that can be practiced daily:
Mindful Eating: Take time to sit down and enjoy your meals.
Mindful Walking: Connect with each step you take and try to notice how your body feels in space.
Mindful Listening: Listen actively, free from preconceptions.
Mindfulness Breaks: Regularly reconnect with your inner self and come back to your breath.
Mindful Observation: Find joy in looking at a flower or the clouds, the color of the sky.
As we embark on the final stretch of December, let's embrace the essence of mindfulness amidst the seasonal hustle. I encourage each of you to pause, even if just for a few moments each day. Inhale deeply, feeling the cool, crisp air of winter fill your lungs, and exhale the stress and rush of the holidays. Let's find serenity in these quiet moments, a gentle reminder of the peace that lies within us.
Studies on Mindfulness
